Meridian's BEST Kept Secret: Meridian Inn Hotel Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Meridian Inn Hotel Review: The SECRET is Out…Sort Of! (And My Brain's a Bit Messy)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Meridian's "BEST Kept Secret," the Meridian Inn, and let me tell you, my brain is a swirling vortex of opinions, lukewarm coffee, and the lingering scent of chlorine. I promised myself I'd give you the real deal – the messy, honest truth – and that's what you're getting. So, here goes… (Deep breath).
Accessibility: Hmmm… We’ll Get Back to That
Honestly, and I'm starting here because it's important, the accessibility situation at the Meridian Inn is… well, it's a bit of a puzzle. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, and there's an elevator (thank the gods!), but the details are fuzzy. I didn’t personally need any special accommodations during my stay, thankfully, but I did notice some narrow hallways and doors. So, definitely double-check with them directly if you have specific requirements. Don't just take my word for it! I'm still trying to figure out where I put my car keys.
Oh, the Wi-Fi! (Cue the Dramatic Music and Sigh)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they boomed in the marketing materials. And, technically, they weren't lying. Technically. The Wi-Fi, particularly in my room (which, FYI, was on the third floor - thank you, elevator!), was… shall we say, sporadic. More like "Wi-Fi when it feels like it." Getting any work done online was a herculean task. It made me feel like I was back in the dial-up era, slowly, agonizingly waiting for a page to load. I did manage to hook up my laptop using the Internet [LAN] connection, but that felt almost prehistoric. And the public areas? Better, but still not the blazing speed I'd fantasized about during that long flight. Still, having it out and running at all was a plus. I actually managed to connect to the Wi-Fi for a special event, so there's that!
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Conscious…ish?
Okay, I'll give 'em this: the Meridian Inn tried. They definitely had the "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Daily disinfection in common areas" vibe going on. Seeing the staff wipe down surfaces made me feel slightly more protected, though I’ve certainly been places that went above and beyond. They had "Hand sanitizer" strategically placed, and "Staff trained in safety protocol." They even mentioned "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items." But honestly, it wasn't the over-the-top level of sanitization some places have. Still, I appreciate any effort, and I felt relatively safe. The "Room sanitization opt-out available," which I found interesting, allowing you to skip the room cleaning, was a nice touch.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Rollercoaster of Flavors (and Slightly Disappointing Coffee)
Right, let's talk FOOD. This, my friends, is where things get… interesting. The breakfast, a "Buffet in restaurant," was…adequate. There were the usual suspects - bread, some fruit, cereal, some uninspired scrambled eggs, and definitely not the "Asian breakfast" I saw rumored on the menu. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was…well, it was there. I wouldn’t call it gourmet. Let's just say it didn't set my tastebuds on fire. More of a “wake up with a jolt” situation.
There was a "Poolside bar," which was wonderful! I got to enjoy a drink while watching the sun set – lovely. There's an "A la carte in restaurant" for dinners, but I heard mixed reviews. And a "Snack bar" for grabbing some bites to eat. I wasn’t able to go to the "Vegetarian restaurant," but if I had it to do over again, I would’ve. They even offered "Alternative meal arrangement" if you have any dietary restrictions.
I did utilize the 24 hour "Room service" and got a decent meal. It might not have been amazing, but it was filling and didn’t require me to move.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Mostly Relaxed
The Meridian Inn offers a decent array of ways to unwind. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" provided a much needed moment of peace after a long day. The "Spa" was probably my favorite part! I indulged in a "Massage" and a "Body scrub" and practically floated out of the spa afterwards. There’s also a "Fitness center" and a "Sauna" and "Steamroom" and "Foot bath", all of which I didn’t use, because, well…relaxing.
Rooms: Surprisingly Decent
My room was… pretty standard, I suppose. It had "Air conditioning" (thank goodness!), a "Safe box," a "Desk," and a "Coffee/tea maker." The "Bathrobes" were a nice touch. Everything was clean, the "Bed" was comfortable, and the "Blackout curtains" helped me get some decent sleep (when the Wi-Fi wasn't driving me crazy). I wish the "In-room safe box" had been larger, as it barely fit my laptop.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects
They had all the usual stuff: "Daily housekeeping," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Elevator," a "Concierge," and a (sometimes helpful) "Front desk [24-hour]." They even had a "Gift/souvenir shop." They had the normal "Business facilities," with "Meeting/banquet facilities" and "Projector/LED display" for events. I had to go to a meeting, and I appreciated the "Meeting stationery", so I could take everything down.
Now the Rambles…
Okay, so I think I've covered most of the basics. But some things stuck in my mind, so let me just unleash what I found curious and what I think they could have done better.
- The "Shrine." Seriously? This hotel featured a shrine? What exactly was that all about?! It felt a bit… unexpected. I tried to figure it out after having some of the "Happy Hour" drinks, but I'm still completely baffled.
- The "Car park [free of charge]" was a blessing. Parking is always a hassle, so I appreciated that.
- The Location: It's a pretty good spot, and the "Taxi service" was easy to use.
- The "Couple's room". Maybe a little bit of an overreach? It was just a normal room.
The Verdict: Is the Meridian Inn a "Best Kept Secret"?
Honestly, not particularly. It's a solid, reasonably priced hotel that could be a bit more consistent. The Wi-Fi needs a serious upgrade. The food is… well, the food. But the spa is great, the staff is friendly (mostly), and the basic amenities are there. I'd probably stay there again for a business trip. Just don’t expect to be blown away. It's not perfect, and it certainly isn't mind-blowing, but it's dependable. That alone is a "secret" I wouldn't mind sharing.
Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 Wi-Fi bars (and a slightly bemused eyebrow raise)
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. This is my attempt to experience the legendary (or at least… existing) Meridian Inn in Meridian, Mississippi, and let me tell you, the anticipation is already a cocktail of "OMG, will the AC work?" and "Is there a decent coffee maker?"
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Disappointment (But There's Always Pizza)
1:00 PM: Arrival and Check-In: A Missed Opportunity for Grandeur
So, I finally made it. Meridian, home of… well, I'm still figuring that out. Driving in, I envisioned a stately Southern inn, maybe a veranda, maybe even a slightly judgmental but ultimately charming Southern belle at the front desk. Reality? Let's just say the parking lot could use a power wash. The lobby… well, it's functional. Think "budget hotel chic," which mostly translates to "slightly dated." The front desk guy, bless his heart, looked like he’d been doing this since the Reagan administration. He mumbled something about my reservation, fumbled with the keycard (always a sign of things to come), and eventually pointed me towards my room. My first thought? "Does this carpet smell faintly of… sadness?"
1:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance – The AC Test
Keycard worked! Hooray! Room… small. Bed… okay. The AC? Praying to the humidity gods that it actually works. I cranked that sucker up to arctic and… SUCCESS! Praise be! That’s going to be a deal-breaker. I've got issues with overheating.
2:00 PM: The Coffee Crisis
Okay, slight snag. The "coffee maker" is one of those… things. You know, the kind that looks like it's from a science experiment gone wrong. And the coffee? Instant, of course. This is where I started to question my life choices. I knew before making reservations to book the Holiday Inn, but I was sold by the "location, location, location.".
2:30 PM: Pizza Savior
Crisis narrowly averted. Found a local pizza place (thanks, Yelp!) called "Meridian Pizza Palace" and it was the epitome of greasy, cheesy, glorious perfection. Honestly, that pizza restored my faith in humanity. The pizza, not the hotel.
3:30 PM: The Shower Situation
Shower time. Honestly, the water pressure was… acceptable. Not spa-level, but it got the job done. The soap, though… smelled like industrial cleaner. I'm officially considering adding a personal soap bar to my packing list from now on.
4:00 PM: Exploring the surrounding area
The hotel is surrounded by other similar establishments and some gas stations. Nothing too exciting.
6:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma and the Hotel's Charm (Or Lack Thereof)
Dinner…hmmm. There is a restaurant supposedly attached to the hotel. "The Southern Comfort Grill" (I'm not kidding). Am I brave enough to venture forth? Part of me desperately wants to order room service, but then again I'm curious about the "Southern Comfort" of it all. I ended up going to Applebee's, I was too scared for a night of bad customer service.
8:00 PM: Bedtime Routine and the Anticipation of Noise I'm going to try and sleep. But, well, I have a suspicion the paper-thin walls will be a challenge.
Day 2: The Museum and the Meltdown (and More Pizza)
8:00 AM: Coffee and the Morning Blues
Okay, so I survived the night. Surprisingly, the AC kept things cool and the noise level wasn't awful. Back to the coffee situation… I should have brought my own damn coffee maker. The instant coffee is a crime against all that is good and caffeinated. I'm beginning to question everything.
9:00 AM: Headed to the Museum The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Center (MATEC) located close by.
10:00 AM: Museum Mishap I got lost on the way, and when I finally got in I found it to be closed.
11:00 AM: Pizza Round 2 (and a Mood Change)
Remember how pizza saved me yesterday? Yeah. That pizza place? Still amazing. I needed that grease and cheese. Fuel for the emotional roller coaster that is this trip. I called again to get another pizza.
1:00 PM: The Room – A Love/Hate Relationship
Back in the room. It's… growing on me. Okay, maybe not growing on me, but I’ve accepted its imperfections. The AC still works wonders. I found the hotel's free wi-fi. I got some work done.
3:00 PM: Back to Bed
Why not?
6:00 PM: The Grill I got the courage to go down to the restaurant. The food was okay, not the best, but the service was bad, and didn't get the best of experience.
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (Or, What I Learned)
8:00 AM: Last Breakfast – The Final Instant Coffee Salute
The last morning. One final (and deeply unsatisfying) cup of instant coffee. I feel a strange twinge of… nostalgia? Okay, maybe not nostalgia, but I have survived.
9:00 AM: Final room inspection Everything is still there. All good.
10:00 AM: Check-out and the Verdict
Checked out. The front desk guy (still there! The trooper!) barely looked up. The Meridian Inn? It's… an experience. It’s not fancy. It’s not perfect. It’s definitely not Instagram-worthy. But I survived, ate some damn good pizza, and the AC worked. So there's that. Would I recommend it? If you're on a budget and value a working AC, yeah. But pack your own soap, bring your own coffee, and for the love of all that is holy, know where the good pizza is. Maybe ask for a room not next to the ice machine.
11:00 AM: Departure
Goodbye, Meridian. It's been… interesting. Next time, I'm bringing a friend. Or at least some better coffee.
Okay, Spill the Tea! Is the Meridian Inn REALLY a "Best Kept Secret"?
Look, I've stayed in a LOT of hotels. From swanky five-stars (where I felt like I owed the staff a tip just for *breathing*) to the kind of budget motels that make you question your life choices at 3 AM. The Meridian Inn... it's different. "Best Kept Secret"? Maybe. It's certainly *something*. Think of it as that slightly dusty, perfectly charming antique shop your grandma loved. It's got character, alright. Whether that character is "charming" or "questionable" depends entirely on your expectations. And your tolerance for slightly wonky elevator behavior. Seriously, that elevator... we'll get to that.
What's the Vibe? Is it Luxury or More Like... "Cozy"?
"Cozy" is a good word. Think less marble-clad lobby and more... grandmas-house-chic. There's a certain lived-in quality. Some might say 'dated', but I'm going to go with 'vintage'. The lobby smells faintly of old books and something I suspect is a blend of potpourri and Pledge. The furniture isn't exactly modern, but it's comfortable. Unless you get the armchair with the springs giving up the ghost. Avoid that one. Trust me. I speak from experience. My back still hasn't entirely forgiven me. But then again, it's not sterile and soulless. It's got *personality*.
The Rooms! What are they REALLY like? Any Horror Stories?
Okay, the rooms are… variable. Let's just say that. I've heard tales of amazing suites with fireplaces and views, and then I’ve heard of rooms that look like they were last updated during the Reagan administration. I got a room in the corner, that was a bit further away from the hallway and other guests seemed to be a good idea. It turned out to be a bad one; you know that feeling where everything is just *slightly* off? That's how my room was. The TV didn’t get every channel, the shower pressure was… enthusiastic, and the paint job on the wall looked like it had been done after a particularly wild night out. But hey, it was clean-ish! And the bed? Surprisingly comfy. I slept like a log. Now, *that's* a win.
Oh, and the bathrooms? Check the plumbing. Seriously.
Speaking of Bathrooms... Is it too much to hope for clean?
Cleanliness is a relative term, right? I mean, it's not a biohazard zone. I didn't spot any mold, and I didn't find any creepy crawlies. Which, let’s be honest, is a triumph in itself. The cleaning staff is… present. Let's put it that way. Are they meticulous? Perhaps not. Did they leave fresh towels? Yes. That counts for something. I did have a small stain in the carpet but if it was a stain from a guest before, it's better than the one I made.
What about the Staff? Are they Friendly? Or Are They Secrets Keeping?
The staff are... characters. In the best possible way. The front desk woman, bless her, she’s seen it all. Her smile is warm, but her eyes hold a thousand stories. She probably knows every single secret the Meridian Inn has to offer. She's helpful, patient, and seems genuinely happy to see you. There’s this one guy who apparently makes a mean breakfast – but I never managed to catch him at the right time. It’s like he’s a ghost. But everyone’s warm and kind to each other. That's what matters, right?
Let's Talk Food! Does the Meridian Inn have a Restaurant, and is it any good?
Okay, the breakfast (the guy who makes breakfast… IF you can find him!) is decent. Continental mostly, with the usual suspects: toast, cereal, maybe some sad-looking fruit. It’s not going to win any awards, but it's enough to get you going. I once witnessed a guest sneak a whole loaf of bread out of the dining room. I’m not judging. We’ve all been there. No full-blown restaurant, though. Local places are your best bet for lunch and dinner, and you’ll be glad you left!
The Elevator! You Teased It Earlier. Tell Me Everything!
Oh, the elevator. Where. Do. I. Even. Begin?! It's an experience. A *journey*. It's like stepping into a time capsule that occasionally decides to take a break. Sometimes, it feels like it's on a mission to get you to your floor. Other times, it seems to be having philosophical debates about its existence. It creaks, it groans, it shudders. You might get stuck. You might not. It's thrilling! You will likely get stuck in the elevator at least once. I did. Twice. Both times, I was with someone else. We bonded. We told each other our life stories. We eventually got rescued by the maintenance guy, who looked like he knew the elevator’s every quirk. I swear, that elevator’s got a personality of its own. And a deep hatred for the number four, apparently. Stay away from the fourth floor folks.
Would You Stay There Again? Be Honest!
Look, I’m not going to lie. The Meridian Inn is not for everyone. If you’re obsessed with luxury and perfection, run for the hills. But if you appreciate a bit of quirky charm, a good dose of history, and don’t mind a slightly… imperfect stay, then, yeah, I’d go back. Especially if that elevator is still going strong. There’s something about its unpredictability that’s oddly endearing. Maybe it’s a sign of the times, eh? And, honestly, if you're just looking for a place to crash for a night or two, it's perfectly serviceable. Just lower your expectations a bit...and pack some earplugs.
Any Insider Tips?
Yes! Absolutely. Pack your own snacks. The vending machine is expensive. Bring a book. Or three. And don't forget the earplugs, and be prepared to use them. Ask for a room away from the elevator, but don’t be surprised if you wind up near it anyway. And, most importantly, embrace the chaos. The Meridian Inn is an experience. And sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the messiest ones. Also, tip the cleaning staff. They deserve it. And maybe leaveHotel Near Me Search
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